Water Activities

A variety of lakes, creeks, and hot springs are available for dipping, soaking and swimming on the Willamette National Forest. 

During warmer weather, some bodies of water can get Cyanobacteria/Harmful Algae Blooms. Cyanobacteria can cause illness if ingested by humans and especially pets. Don't go into water that looks foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green, blue-green or brownish red. A good rule of thumb for you and your pet is: When in Doubt, Stay Out! 

Learn more about Harmful Algae Blooms on the Oregon Health Authority website.

Boating - Motorized

Boating regulations are available on the Oregon State Marine Board website.

Boating - Non-Motorized

Floating, canoeing and kayaking on a forest lake or river are all great ways to spend a warm summer day. If you are new to the sport, there are licensed outfitters and guides prepared to show you how! Learn more about boating regulations on the Oregon State Marine Board website.

Swimming

Swimming opportunities are typically found in natural settings which have no lifeguard supervision or roped-off pools. Cold, free-flowing currents of rivers and streams command respect and judgment when deciding where and when to swim. Swimmers in lakes and reservoirs need to keep a watchful eye out for boaters.

Developed settings, such as the Upper Arm Day Use Area at Detroit Reservoir and Packard Creek Swim Area at Hills Creek Reservoir near Oakridge offer parking, picnic tables, restrooms and accessible swim beaches protected from boating activities. Some day use areas require a fee.

Water safety:

• Always wear a life jacket and make sure it fits properly
• Go with a buddy, even if you are an experienced swimmer
• Keep a close eye on children in the water at all times
• Know the risks of natural bodies of water
• Swim and boat sober

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (45)

Boating - Non-Motorized (60)

Swimming (77)

Waterskiing (26)

Showing: 81 - 90 of 91 results

Sunnyside Campground

Site Closed

Sunnyside Campground is located along the southeast side of Cougar Reservoir at 1,700 feet in elevation. A large grove of conifers provides shade to the 13 semi-private campsites. Motorhomes and…

Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs

Site Open

Enjoy the 1/4 mile hike along the Rider Creek Trail (#3319) to the clothing optional hot springs. There are four soaking pools spaced apart by rock walls laid out in steps down a ravine. Temperatures…

Three Pools Day Use Area

Site Closed

Three Pools Day Use Area on the North Fork of the Santiam River is an extremely popular destination, attracting over 15,000 visitors each year. Accessible via a short walk from parking area (fee or…

Timpanogas Campground

Site Closed

This small, high-elevation 10 site campground sits at 5,300 feet at the far southeast end of the district, surrounded by fine stands of silver, grand, and noble fir. Be prepared for mosquitoes from…

Trail Bridge Campground

Located on the shore of Trail Bridge Reservoir, this campground has both campsites nestled under large old-growth Douglas Fir and campsites in an open grassy meadow. This is a busy, popular…

Trout Creek Campground

Site Open

Trout Creek Campground is a campground situated along the South Santiam River, 20 miles east of the town of Sweet Home, Oregon. Many of the 24 sites are right on the river, tucked under the cool…

Trout Creek Day Use Area

Site Open

Trout Creek Day Use site is located in the Trout Creek Campground, a fun, family campground situated along the South Santiam River, 20 miles east of the town of Sweet Home, Oregon. Many sites are…

Upper Arm Day Use Area

Site Open

Upper Arm is situated on a quiet cove of the Breitenbush Arm of Detroit Lake away from motor boating activities. Fishing opportunities abound along the shoreline trails and from the wooden fishing…

Waldo Lake Area

Thick forests, hiking, mountain biking, camping, swimming and boating. Waldo Lake is a recreation gem of the Cascades (besides the hordes of mosquitoes in early summer). Waldo Lake is one of the…

Yukwah Campground

Site Open

Yukwah Campground is a nice, family campground situated along the South Santiam River, 21 miles east of the town of Sweet Home, Oregon. Many of the 13 sites are right on the river, tucked under the…